Eyelid Surgery Procedures

At La Peer’s Eyelid Reconstruction Center of Excellence, we specialize is a variety of eyelid procedures. The most common of these include treatment for:

Eyelid Malposition

Ptosis

Retraction

Entropion

Ectropion

Eyelid Cancer

Eyelid Paralysis

Eyelid Malposition

Eyelid malposition refers to a number of possible conditions in which the eyelids are not working in healthy and natural ways. The cause of eyelid malposition may include age, injury and even birth defects. The most common eyelid malpositions are ptosis, retraction, entropion, and ectropion.

Ptosis

Ptosis refers to an upper eyelid that will not fully open. The danger of ptosis is that the eyelid will block the eye and affects vision. Loose upper eyelid skin, nerve damage, and muscle weakness are the primary causes of ptosis. Treatment for ptosis typically involves a small-incision surgery designed to strengthen the levator muscle and allow the eye to open more fully.

Retraction

Unlike ptosis, eyelid retraction causes the eyelid to open too much. Retraction can occur in both the upper and lower eyelids. When this happens, the patient might be unable to close the eye completely, which leaves it vulnerable to overexposure, as well as irritation and dryness. Thyroid eye disease is the most common cause of this condition. In addition to treatment of the underlying thyroid disease, some cases require a reverse ptosis surgery.

Entropion

When patients experience entropion, it means their eyelids are turning inward toward the eyes. Often this causes a feeling of irritation and discomfort as the eyelashes rub against the eye. Excessive tearing is also common with entropion. Typically, entropion requires surgery for a full recovery. The surgical technique depends on the exact cause,but often entails removing a small part of the eyelid to tighten the muscles and tendons of the lid.

Ectropion

Ectropion refers to an eyelid that is turning outward away from the eye. This typically happen with the lower lid. Common symptoms of ectropion include dryness, inflammation, and tearing. Because the eyelid is moving away from the eye, the patient is also more susceptible to scarring and infection. Most cases of ectropion require surgery, which is done by removing a small amount of the eyelid at the outside corner of the eye. This will tighten the muscles and tendons of the eyelid and allow it to sit snuggly against the eye once again.

Eyelid Cancer

Despite the size of their surfaces, eyelids are among the most common sites for nonmelanoma skin cancers. Most of these cancers occur on the lower eyelid because it is the area with most exposure to the sun. Treatment for eyelid cancer involves surgery to remove the tumor and surrounding tissue.

The key to successful treatment of eyelid cancer lies in early detection. Warning signs for eyelid tumors include:

Loss of eyelashes for unknown reasons

Red eye or swelling of the eyelids that doesn’t heal

A bump that bleeds or doesn’t heal

Pigmented lesions with irregular borders

If you have any of these symptoms, be sure to contact an eyelid specialist as soon as possible.

Eyelid Paralysis

Eyelid paralysis is the inability to properly open or close the eyelids. When this occurs, the eye is at much greater danger for injury. There are a variety of treatments to correct eyelid paralysis.

Upper eyelid gold weight is especially effective for those suffering upper eyelid paralysis. The treatment involves inserting a small weight into the eyelid to assist with opening and closing the eye. For lower eyelid paralysis, ectropion surgery is the typical course of action. Lower eyelid ectropion surgery involves making a small incision to tighten the lower eyelid. Another option for eyelid paralysis is tarsorrhaphy surgery, which pinches the outer areas of the eye closer together to make it easier for the patient to open and close.

Revisional Eyelid Surgery and Revisional Ptosis Surgery

At the Eyelid Reconstruction Center of Excellence, we also perform revisional eyelid surgery, a procedure to correct or reshape any issues that may have resulted from a previous eyelid surgery. The primary reason for this procedure is asymmetry after surgery or a small amount of contour abnormality.

Similar to revisional eyelid surgery, revisional ptosis surgery is done to correct the ptosis a patient may experience after their initial procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does eyelid surgery take?

A: A typical procedure lasts about 1-2 hours, but that can vary depending on each specific procedure and each patient.

Q: Are there many risks involved with eyelid surgery?

A: In general eyelid surgery is very safe. And when you work with skilled and experienced surgeons, such as those at the Eyelid Reconstruction Center of Excellence, your odds for complications or infection are even lower.

Q: What do I need to do to prepare for my eyelid surgery?

A: It is important to avoid taking any substance such as aspirin or ibuprofen that might increase bleeding. Smoking can also slow your recovery and ability to heal after eyelid surgery. In addition, read our blog, How to Prepare for Eyelid Surgery, to learn more.

Q: How long does it take to recover from eyelid surgery?

A: Generally patients should avoid strenuous activity for about a week following eyelid surgery. Most return to work right away. If stitches were used in your procedure, they are usually taken out three or four days later.

Schedule a Consultation with an Eyelid Reconstruction Surgeon

If you want to learn more about the procedures we offer or schedule a consultation with an eyelid specialist, don’t hesitate to call us at (888) 374-0367 or fill out our online form.

The information available on this web site is provided for informational purposes only. This information is not intended to replace a medical consultation where a physician’s judgment may advise you about specific disorders, conditions, and/or treatment options. We hope the information will be useful for you to become more educated about your health care decisions. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

DISCLAIMER: Content on this website is not intended to serve as medical advice and should not be construed as such. Please see a medical professional in order to obtain specific advice for your medical conditions.